What is MCP?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standard way for an AI app to talk to tools. Instead of a custom plug for every assistant, a tool can speak MCP and more than one assistant can use it.
Also called: Model Context Protocol
In plain English
Think of MCP as a wall outlet. The assistant is the lamp. Your calendar, your help desk, or your own little server is the thing you plug in. The outlet does not do the work. It is the shape of the plug. Zapier and n8n both talk about MCP on their own sites because they want assistants to trigger work you already automated.
How an owner would use it
You do not need to build MCP yourself on day one. You need to know the question: 'Can this assistant reach my booking page, or only chat?' If a vendor says they support MCP, ask which of your tools are actually connected, and who approves a send.
Common mistakes
MCP is a plug shape, not a feature list. Owners hear 'it supports MCP' and assume the assistant can see the schedule, the ledger, and the inbox. Support means a connector can be built or turned on. It does not mean your tools are connected, and it does not mean writes are safe. If the vendor cannot name the exact tool and whether it is read-only, you do not have MCP in any way that helps the shop.
A worked example
A dental office
One plug for the schedule
This is an illustration, not a customer result. The office manager wants Claude and ChatGPT to see the same 'next opening' lookup. Instead of pasting the schedule into two chats, the booking tool is exposed once over MCP. Both assistants can ask for openings. Neither one can move a patient without a person confirming.
Related terms
Prompts and guides
Questions owners ask
What is MCP?
MCP stands for Model Context Protocol. It is a common way for an AI assistant to connect to tools, so you are not rebuilding the same plug for every app.
How do I use MCP?
Most owners use it through a product that already speaks it, such as the MCP access Zapier and n8n describe on their pricing pages, or a connector a vendor documents. Start by connecting one read-only tool, like a calendar lookup, before you allow writes.
Is MCP the same as an API?
An API is any door an app leaves open. MCP is one agreed shape for that door when the caller is an AI assistant.
Does MCP replace an API?
No. The other app still needs a way in. MCP is one agreed way for an assistant to use that door. Your booking page can have an API and still not be available over MCP until someone connects it.
Product guides are on AI apps for business.